RONNY Deila last night defended Stefan Johansen after his substitution was cheered by sections of the Celtic support in yesterday’s 2-0 win over Ross County at Parkhead.

The win took the Hoops three points clear of Aberdeen at the top but the Norwegian midfielder still came in for criticism.

Deila, though, found it hard to understand why his countryman – last season’s Player of the Year – came in for stick.

He said: “Stefan was one of the best players on the pitch today.

“He created a lot and worked really hard.

“Stefan had a tough start to the season but for the last month he has played very well. He’s a top quality player who gives a lot on and off the pitch to the team and I love to have him here.”

Some fans are frustrated that Scott Allan hasn’t been given more chances in midfield and he didn’t even make the bench yesterday.

Celtic manager Ronny Deila is backing Stefan Johansen

But Deila said: “It’s tough to pick the team now. Scott was in the 20-man squad but not the 18.

“It’s competition and everybody has to work to get in the team. That’s the reality of playing here.”

Deila was happy with the Hoops’ return to winning ways after Aberdeen pulled level on points with them last week.

But when asked if it had piled pressure on the Dons, who now play twice this week at Inverness and Partick, he said: “You talk about Aberdeen all the time. Here at Celtic we don’t need to talk about other teams.

“Whatever they do, we have to win.

“We have a strong squad and when the team is playing at its best they will be very good.”